CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE GROUP PICNIC SHELTER, VA

Overview

Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic beauty and peacefulness of the area. Easy access from the interstate, close proximity to historic Lexington and access to Natural Bridge make Cave Mountain Lake an ideal destination.

Natural Features:

Cave Mountain Lake covers seven acres and was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, using existing natural rock buttresses to form a 35-foot dam. A grassy field extends from the lake's sandy beach and hills lush with hardwood and conifer trees paint a scenic backdrop.

Recreation:

The lake offers refreshing opportunities to splash and swim on a designated sandy swim beach. Anglers fish from the water's edge outside the beach area. Boating is not allowed, so beyond of the swimming area, the lake offers plentiful photography, birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from a short walk around the lake to an all-day hike along the nearby ridges. Backpackers enjoy the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the James River Face and the Thunder Ridge Wilderness areas.

Facilities:

The picnic shelter is a historic structure that does not support accessibility standards. Parking is available in the day-use parking area and the shelter is reached via a foot bridge along a gravel path.

The shelter can accommodate up to 50 people. Amenities include electricity for small appliances, a fireplace, eight picnic tables, a double pedestal grill, trash cans and a drinking fountain with a spigot. Flush toilets and showers are available at the beach bathhouse.

Nearby Attractions:

Lexington, Virginia, just 20 minutes away, is home to the gravesites of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. It's a charming town with conveniences like grocery stores and gas stations. Ice and other sundries can be found at small stores along State Route 759.

Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Getting There:

From I- 81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge, Virginia. Go north on U.S. Highway 11 toward Natural Bridge (left turn facing the Exxon station). From Natural Bridge, follow Route 130 East at the intersection with U.S. Highway 11 (right turn at the Natural Bridge parking lot). Continue on Route 130 East for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto State Route 781. The entrance for Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area is approximately 1.6 miles ahead. Turn left into the recreation area and continue to the beach area parking. The group picnic shelter is across the foot bridge to the right of the main path to the lake.